Patient Testimonial: TMJ Headaches

“After 3 years of chronic TMJ pain, various treatments (such as biofeedback, physical therapy, and massage therapy), and countless doctors, I started to just accept that my headache and neck ache pain was always going to be a part of me. However, like all good stories, just when I had accepted my fate, my story took a turn for the better.

Over spring break this past year, my mother and I went on a vacation to Arizona, where I made an appointment with a cranial sacral massage therapist. Well, some angel must have been watching over me that day because I ended leaving my appointment with a small bit of hope. The therapist had told me that my jaw was misaligned (something I’d never been told before) and that she knew of a dentist in Lake Forest, IL who might be able to help me. When my mother and I arrived back home in Western Springs, we called Dr. Fondriest and made an appointment.

When I arrived at his office, I’ll admit I was a bit nervous. I just could not hear, “I’m sorry, there is nothing more we can do”, one more time. However, Dr. Fondriest did not tell me this. Though he was not positive he could help me, he was willing to take a risk, and that, immediately set him apart from all the other doctors.

The many long drives and train rides to Lake Forest were worth it. His friendly staff welcomed me like a family member, taking quickly to my goofy personality. I couldn’t believe the dentist could be enjoyable! I had never been to a Doctor’s office that was genuinely concerned with my well-being. Dr. Fondriest and his staff had no ulterior motives; they just wanted to help me get better. They did that. Within the first month alone, I could already tell the difference with my bite or how my teeth came together and I no longer awoke with headaches and jaw pain.

Now, after less than six months, Dr. Fondriest has made a masterpiece of my occlusion. Following my most recent visit, I felt no pain all day for the first time in three years. I have not experienced my all too familiar tension headaches and have put my jaw stretches to rest. Before being treated by Dr. Fondriest, I was like a broken-winged bird. He nursed me back to health. Now, I am ready to spread my wings and fly free.

It is miraculous. I finally feel like myself again. I am relaxed, pain free in my jaw and ready to conquer the world!”

-Britton Esposito, Western Springs, Illinois

TMJ Treatment

Headaches, jaw pain, and face pain are often signs of TMJ, or temporal mandibular joint dysfunction. The American Dental Association tells us that more than 15 percent of American adults suffer from some chronic facial pain. This pain can be caused by missing back teeth, poor teeth alignment, injury to the chin or jaw, nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism), stress, bad dental work, and even wisdom teeth. Half of those with chronic facial pain exhibit symptoms that prompt TMJ treatment. These include:

Limited ability to open the mouth

Uncomfortable bite

Clicking or popping in jaw joints

Difficulty chewing

Inability to bite all the way down

Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

Cold sensitivity of teeth

Gum recession

Worn-down teeth

Dizziness

Ear pain

Clenching or grinding (bruxism)

If you think you might need TMJ treatment, call Dr. Fondriest to discuss your options. With extensive training in TMJ therapy, Dr. Fondriest can diagnose your problem, so you can start treatment and return to living a normal, comfortable life. He may suggest a custom mouthguard to wear at night to prevent bruxism or a different treatment strategy. Depending on the severity of your TMJ, eliminating or managing the pain will be the ideal goal. Dr. Fondriest will work to find the appropriate therapy for you.

To get your life back, like Britton did with TMJ treatment, call Dr Fondriest, serving the communities of Northbrook, IL Highland Park, Deerfield, and the surrounding areas, at (847) 234-0517.